Hand washing is recognised as one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses. And drying your hands is just as important in limiting the transmission of bacteria. But be careful! Recent research has called into question the safety of electric air hand dryers.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we all know that washing our hands is the first line of defence against germs. But wet hands increase the risk of transmitting bacteria. Drying is therefore an equally important preventive measure.
Professionals understand this well. In supermarkets, airports, cinemas and other public toilets, electric air hand dryers have become the norm. But do they really guarantee protection against germs and viruses?
Not so sure. In fact, numerous studies have shown that hot air hand dryers in public toilets can suck bacteria from the ambient air and release it onto the freshly washed hands of unsuspecting customers.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we all know that washing our hands is the first line of defence against germs. But wet hands increase the risk of bacteria transmission. Drying is therefore an equally important preventive measure.
Professionals have understood this well. In the toilets of supermarkets, airports, cinemas and other venues… electric air hand dryers have become the norm. But do they really guarantee protection against germs and viruses?
Not so sure. In fact, numerous studies have shown that hot air hand dryers in public toilets can suck bacteria from the ambient air and release it onto the freshly washed hands of unsuspecting customers.
More than 200 colonies of bacteria
One example is a 2021 study conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge (UK). Volunteers were asked to wear aprons while washing and drying their hands. Half of the participants used a forced-air hand dryer, while the other half used paper towels.
As a result, hand dryer users ended up with more bacteria on their hands than expected.
The same findings were reported in a study conducted three years earlier, but this time in the United States (University of Connecticut). Researchers exposed Petri dishes (transparent cylindrical containers used in laboratories) to hot air from hand dryers for 30 seconds. This spectacular experiment saw 254 colonies of bacteria grow inside these small containers.
So here’s a tip: sometimes it’s better to stick with traditional techniques rather than cutting-edge technology. ‘Drying your hands with paper towels not only dries them faster, but the friction also dislodges bacteria, leaving them cleaner,’ notes the Cleveland Clinic on its website.
As for cloth towel dispensers? It’s best to avoid them. The piece of cloth at the end of the roll tends to be reused over and over again. This again promotes the transmission of germs from hand to hand.
